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5 Must – See Movies Filmed in Vietnam

movies filmed in Vietnam

Have you visited Ha Long Bay just because you want to see the breath-taking views that appeared in ‘Kong: Skull Island’? Undoubtedly there are quite a number of tourists who visit some destinations featured through movies filmed in Vietnam. 

Once visiting Vietnam, you will know the feeling of experiencing something straight out of a Hollywood movie. While Halong Bay lures audiences into the world of mystery and adventure in ‘Kong: Skull Island’, Saigon Cho Lon in ‘L’amant’ brings back good memories of Ho Chi Minh City in the past. Watch the top 5 movies filmed in Vietnam below to find yourself surrounded by the dramatic cinematic ambience and motivate yourself to plan a trip to Vietnam immediately.

Best Movies Filmed in Vietnam

Are you a fan of romantic, action, adventure or war films? Thankfully, nature puts on Vietnam stunning landscapes that are just perfect for filming any genre of your favorites.

1. Kong: Skull Island (2017) – Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts is set in 1973 when a team of scientists and Vietnam War soldiers travel to the Skull Island and encounter many scary creatures before getting to know a behemoth ape known as Kong. This is not the first time the image of Vietnam represented in a Hollywood movie but it is the most outstanding one. Every Vietnam travel lover simply finds another good reason to plan a trip to discover the Best of Vietnam.  

Praised for its visual effects, actions, and performances, ‘Kong: Skull Island’ owes its success to Vietnam’s scenic landscapes. Halong Bay showcases its hidden charm with more than 2,000 islands covered in fabulous vegetation and mysterious caves. Ninh Binh boasts limestone pillars, hidden caves, and tropical rainforest. Quang Binh shines with one-of-a-kind grandiose beauty entitled “heaven on Earth”. Apart from the prominent Son Doong, there is a wide range of caves with stunning topography features and cool views. 

» See more on Full Day Ninh Binh Experience

2. L’amant (1991) – Romance, Drama

‘L’amant’ or ‘Lover’ is one of the best films that successfully promote the images of Saigon and Dong Thap, a province in the Mekong Delta, to viewers all around the world. Since the film by the French director Jean-Jacques was premiered, the South of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta in 1930s, and Huynh Thuy Le’s ancient house have shown the world how dazzling Vietnam is through vivid movie scenes.

Based on an autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, the film delves into the forbidden love between a French girl and a rich Chinese man. Their love story is perfectly highlighted by the antique beauty of the ancient house in Sa Dec, Dong Thap. And through their journey to Saigon Cholon, the market vibes never fails to captivate the audience’s heart.

3. The Quiet American (2002) – Drama, Romance, Thriller

A Vietnam war-themed film by Phillip Noyce was shot mainly in Saigon, Vietnam and Rome, Italia.  For a brief, an old British reporter Fowler vies with a young U.S. doctor Pyle for the affections of a beautiful Vietnamese woman Phuong. But this is obviously not a pure love-filled film, ‘The Quiet American’ attracts audiences with the journey discovering dark political schemes.

Saigon in 1950s of the previous century appears with its indescribable charm. Every single detail, from a hanging lantern in a tea house to an old cyclo, wonderfully depicts the old Saigon’s glamor. This characteristic is so unique that it will be hard to capture in the hustle and bustle of the city nowadays.

4. Indochine (1992) – Drama, Romance, War

A French period drama film set in colonial French Indochina tells the story of the country and the people of Vietnam through the eye of Éliane Devries, a French plantation owner. Though Indochina is geographically and historically not the name for Vietnam only, the setting mainly praises Vietnam’s natural beauty.

Every shot in ‘Indochine’ is elaborately set by the director Régis Wargnier, making audiences can’t stand but fall in love with the glories of nature. The Tomb of Tu Duc in Imperial City, Hue, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) adorn much of the peacefulness and slithering beauty of this S-shaped country.

5. Pan (2015) – Adventure, Comedy, Family

The 2015 fantasy film serves as a prequel story to Peter and Wendy from author J. M. Barrie. Pan‘s plot focuses on the history of the famous Peter ‘Pan’, with his life in an orphanage and his journey to find a way to Neverland, a magical realm beyond space and time. The film stars Hugh Jackman as a fictionalized version of Blackbeard, an opponent of Peter.

Pan’s most outstanding scenes are filmed at Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and Ninh Binh Province. Especially, Hang En Cave in Quang Binh Province, the world’s 3rd largest cave appears in a relatively long, incredible scene of Pan. The real 3D scenes were first captured and then graphically edited into the film. Watching this film, you are treated with bird’s-eye views of Vietnam’s most peaceful countrysides and limestone mountains.

Have you ever thought of being a main actor or actress in these fantastic movies? Join us on a journey to Vietnam to discover the mountains, the caves, the rivers that never fail to magnetise audiences. Contact us now.

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Trinh Tran written for Maika Tours 

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